The Springbok Women’s team suffered their third consecutive World Cup defeat when they were smashed 37-0 by Ireland on Friday.

The Boks lost 68-12 to Australia and 74-8 to England in their earlier group matches. They will play Samoa and Spain will face Kazakhstan in the first knockout round to decide positions 9-12.

Meanwhile, New Zealand finished top of the pool standings after defeating Scotland 21-0 and will play France in the semi finals.

England also retained their unbeaten run, defeating France 27-8, and they will play Canada in the other semi.

Scotland, despite a brave performance against New Zealand, which saw them trail 6-0 at half time, end up in fifth place, thanks to an inferior points difference to Canada and France.

The USA defeated Australia 10-6, but results elsewhere meant that they finished sixth and will play the Wallaroos once again in the first knockout stage.

Spain’s surprise 14-12 win over Samoa at Ellerslie Rugby Park allowed Ireland to sneak into eighth position and, with it, a chance of finishing fifth overall. The Irish will face a familiar foe in Scotland next.